[jos]

Hi

I have a Canon 20D with a new Canon 500f/4 lens. I really need a new tripod and head now!
Was wondering if my final choice is the best. I was looking at the Wimberley head to go on a Gitzo 1325. Anything lighter on the market as good as that one ? They also seems to be impossible to get from Canada ?

Thanks you for sharing your knowledge with me, I really do appreciate !

Jos

[jimtfoto]

Jos:
Whereabouts in Canada are you?
I just picked up a Manfrotto 441 carbon fibre for a sweet price at Downtown Camera in Toronto. It has a capacity of around 13 lbs. I also lucked out in that Downtown Camera had a Wimberley Head in stock, with the flash arm and two plates that I needed. Not sure if they'll get anymore in (and they don't advertise them on their web site). Price for the Wimberley in Cdn. was $1200. Checking through the Wimberley website, that's comprable to what I would have paid in U.S. funds, with conversion and shipping.
There is a Canadian-made alternative gimbal head called the Black Widow, priced at about $500. Check www.jobu-design.com
A friend of mine who also uses Wimberley said he had seen a Black Widow in use, but it didn't seem as sturdy as the Wimberley.
Hope this helps,
jim

[Andrew Rowlands]

Hi Jos,

Have you read >this review<?

Andy.

[jos]

Originally Posted by jimtfoto

Jos:
Whereabouts in Canada are you?
I just picked up a Manfrotto 441 carbon fibre for a sweet price at Downtown Camera in Toronto. It has a capacity of around 13 lbs. I also lucked out in that Downtown Camera had a Wimberley Head in stock, with the flash arm and two plates that I needed. Not sure if they'll get anymore in (and they don't advertise them on their web site). Price for the Wimberley in Cdn. was $1200. Checking through the Wimberley website, that's comprable to what I would have paid in U.S. funds, with conversion and shipping.
There is a Canadian-made alternative gimbal head called the Black Widow, priced at about $500. Check www.jobu-design.com
A friend of mine who also uses Wimberley said he had seen a Black Widow in use, but it didn't seem as sturdy as the Wimberley.
Hope this helps,
jim

Thank you for your hints...To answer your question I live around Montreal and for some reason I can not find anybody that keeps those Wimberley in stock. You were lucky to find one in Toronto. I've read a lot about the Black Widow and somebody even told me that it has tightening screws for the settings and and if you accidentally leave one loose, your whole camera tips-over. This comes from somebody that has a Gitzo of course ! Too bad there is no way to have a trial period on this kind of material !

Thanks again for the time you took to help me out on that one !

Jos

[jimtfoto]

Jos:
Just as a follow-up, ordering from Wimberely itself or through another party is probably your best bet. I ordered a Better Beamer through the naturescapes store (http://www.naturescapes.net/home.htm) and had no problem with the. I don't like to give out credit card info, and their payment system allows for money orders. The price through naturescapes was the same as direct from the manufacturer - $565 U.S. for the Wimberley Head with quick release plate, cheaper for no quick-release plate and even cheaper for the Wimberley Sidekick. With the Sidekick, however, you'll need a good ballhead. That's why I went with the full Wimberley Head. I have been extremely satisfied with this purchase.

cheers,
jim